Pack essentials for an emergency such as warm clothing and blankets, de-icer, a torch, first aid kit, tow rope, snow shovel, warning triangle, water repellent spray and a map in case of unexpected diversions

Make sure your mobile phone is fully charged in case of emergency and carry your AA membership card with you at all times

Check your home contents insurance covers the extra gifts you will have in the house - the AA automatically increases cover by 20% over the Christmas period

Notes to Editors

January sales traffic will cause congestion on the M5 at Cribbs Causeway, the M1 at Meadowhall and the M60 at the Trafford Centre.

Motorists should factor in extra journey time if planning to hit the M25, especially between the M3 and M1 interchanges (junction 11-21).

1ICM poll of 1,005 road users on 21st November 2007 found that 60% of motorists are planning a car journey over the Christmas period

All other statistics from an ICM poll of 1,011 road users, December 12th-13th 2007